Journal # TWO

Groff, J, & Haas, J (2008). Web 2.0: Today's Technology, Tomorrow's Learning. Learning & Leading with Technology , Retrieved October 8, 2008, from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3620082009/SeptemberOctoberNo2/36212g.pdf.

This article first addresses the prominence of social networking sights for younger children, mainly under 18. The writers talk about facebook, Second Life, and World of Warcraft as ways for young people to communicate on the internet, and suggests for teachers to implement that style of teaching into the classroom, such as more private social networking sights, such as Ning. Teachers can exclusively invite only their classroom into their Ning online clubs, allowing for more cohesive classroom communication, inside and outside the school walls. The article also suggests digital simulations that the students can participate in, such as StarLogo: The Next Generation can simulate experiences such as forest fires or exploring the human circulatory system with the help of this free program, built by students at MIT. Though many of these technological tools come in handy with educators, there are problems, or “bumps in the road”, such as the obvious fact that many schools can’t afford these types of advanced resources. Another snag, is the lack of knowledge that many teachers have towards technology, not clearly understanding many of the advancements made in recent years. And with technology moving so much faster these days, with a teacher attempting to teach a class while having hang-ups on technical problems, the students with their hands on knowledge of this material first hand, may inevitably end up teaching the teachers.

Question 1: With the apparent threat of online predators, how would certain social networking sites such as Facebook or Ning protect from innocent students?
As you would tell any young person who freely surfs the internet, just reiterate the threat of strangers on the web. Most social networking sites now offer settings where you can create private and exclusive clubs, without the dangers of strangers attempting to interact with students. Also as you would say to any student in any situation, just say no to strangers!

Question 2: How would you “combat” elder teacher’s lack of knowledge with technology, so that they could utilize these advanced tools to further effect their beneficial teaching?
Seminars and lectures would need to be held for some of the not-so-tech-savvy educators to gain them up to speed in order for them to implement these tools in their classrooms. Also I would have tech support on hand with any questions in the school.